By Chris O'Brien
February 5 2004

Manchetser United can look forward to a derby clash in the fifth round of the F.A Cup, after arch-rivals City staged one of the greatest Cup comebacks in years. Trailing 3-0 at the break with 10-men, Spurs fans were already planning their day out at Old Trafford... Manchester United will face arch-rivals City in the fifth round of the F.A Cup following one of the most incredible Cup ties in years. Kevin Keegan’s side looked set to be knocked out of the competition as they trailed 3-0 at the break with Spurs goals coming from Ledley King, Robbie Keane and Christian Ziege, and with Joey Barton sent-off for dissent as the teams went in for the half-time team talks, it looked hopeless for City. United once staged a terrific White Hart Lane comeback, winning 5-3 after trailing by three goals at the break, but Kevin Keegan turning things round for his struggling City side looked highly unlikely! However, the Blues started the second-half in the best possible fashion with Sylvain Distin heading home a goal that gave the visitors just a glimmer of hope. The whole team stated to play with an air of confidence that City have lacked in their league campaign, with a nervous Spurs continuing to make careless errors. Paul Bosvelt got City right back into the contest with a goal that flew in thanks to a huge deflection off a Tottenham player, and with City only a goal behind the equaliser always looked likely despite the hosts having a man advantage. City’s third came ten minutes from time, with man of the match Shaun Wright-Phillips slotting the ball past Keller from a tight angle, and there now looked only one winner as Spurs struggled to keep hold of the ball with extra-time looming. The winner came with only seconds of normal time to go, with former Preston North End forward Jonathan Macken heading City’s fourth past Keller sending the travelling City contingent into delight, let’s just hope they’re not so smug after the next round! I’ve had this naggings suspicion all season that City might win the F.A Cup. Still, we’ve got a great chance of derby victory now, and here’s hoping that United do the job to secure the 28 years Stretford End banner lives for at least another season! City visit Old Trafford for the Cup clash on February 14th, with yet another early kick-off for us to put up with due to the game being shown live on Sky TV. Bring ‘em on!